Provincial authorities have uncovered a third set of human remains at a site close to Smiths Falls in eastern Ontario. The latest remains have been confirmed to belong to Lawrence Bertrim, who was last seen in downtown Smiths Falls in September 2022. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are still investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, and no charges have been pressed. A $50,000 reward for information leading to a conviction in this case remains available, as stated by the police.
Bertrim, who was 42 years old at the time of his disappearance, has been located, marking a significant development for his family and the investigative team, who have dedicated years to this case, according to OPP Detective Inspector Jennifer Patton.
The discovery of Bertrim’s remains on the Kelly Jordan Road property on August 6 follows the earlier finding of another missing man, Robert Lambert, on the same property in July. While no charges have been filed in Lambert’s case, authorities had initially suspected foul play.
The remains of Robbie Thomson were also found on the same residential property in October 2025. Four individuals have been charged in connection with Thomson’s death, including three facing first-degree murder charges.
Bertrim and Thomson were acquainted, and it was reported by CBC News in 2023 that they were also linked to 24-year-old Stephen Tate, whose body was found in a ditch along Highway 15 in November 2023. The deaths of Tate, Bertrim, and Thomson captivated the Smiths Falls area, with the discoveries deeply impacting the small town and the surrounding rural region, according to the local reeve.
